You'll find it useful to have a recognised qualification like the Level 2 Certificate in Cycle Maintenance.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D) for a level 2 course
Cycle mechanic
Alternative titles for this job include Bike mechanic, bicycle technician
Cycle mechanics build, repair and service all kinds of bikes.
Average salary (a year)
£20,000 Starter
to£30,000 Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
42 to 44 a week
You could work
evenings / weekends on shifts
How to become a cycle mechanic
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- specialist private training courses
College
Apprenticeship
You could get into this job through a bicycle mechanic intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More information
Work
You could start as a retail assistant in a bike shop and apply for a role as a trainee mechanic. Your employer may pay for your training.
Other routes
You could study for technical cycle maintenance qualifications offered by Cytech.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- customer service skills
- the ability to sell products and services
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- being able to use a computer terminal or hand-held device may be beneficial for this job.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- building a bike from scratch to a customer’s specification
- identifying problems with a bike and discussing solutions with the customer
- estimating the cost of repairs and giving quotes
- carrying out a bike service and safety check
- carrying out repairs and replacing parts
- cleaning, degreasing and lubricating bike parts
- giving advice to customers
- ordering bike parts and keeping a log of stock
- taking bookings for repairs and processing paperwork
- liaising with suppliers and dealers
- attending cycling events to provide repairs and technical support
Working environment
You could work in a workshop or at a store.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to a large organisation like British Cycling, who employ specialist mechanics working for the British racing team.With 3 to 5 years’ experience you could progress to head mechanic.
You could also become self-employed and set up a mobile bike mechanic business, or open your own shop. The Cycling Experts have more information on setting up a bike shop.
As an experienced and qualified cycle mechanic you could also move into teaching other mechanics.
Training opportunities
Apprenticeships In England
We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a cycle mechanic right now.
The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.
Courses In England
Cycle Maintenance
- Provider: LONDON LEARNING CONSORTIUM
- Start date: 01 May 2019
- Location: Knaphill, Woking
Cycle Maintenance
- Provider: East Surrey College
- Start date: 11 May 2019
- Location: Redhill
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